Modular cam system

ABSTRACT

A cam system includes a beam including a plurality of coupling features. A first handle is operable to be coupled to the beam using the coupling features. A plurality of cam elements are each operable to be coupled to the beam at different locations along the beam using the coupling features. A plurality of cam brackets are each operable to be mounted to a first member having a first connector. The coupled-together beam, first handle, and cam elements are operable to be coupled a second member having a second connector such that, with the cam brackets mounted to the first member, the engagement of the cam elements with the cam brackets mate the first connector and the second connector.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/344,386 filed Jan. 5, 2012, of which is incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to information handling systems(IHSs), and more particularly to a modular cam system for an IHS.

As the value and use of information continues to increase, individualsand businesses seek additional ways to process and store information.One option is an IHS. An IHS generally processes, compiles, stores,and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or otherpurposes. Because technology and information handling needs andrequirements may vary between different applications, IHSs may also varyregarding what information is handled, how the information is handled,how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and howquickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, orcommunicated. The variations in IHSs allow for IHSs to be general orconfigured for a specific user or specific use such as financialtransaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage,or global communications. In addition, IHSs may include a variety ofhardware and software components that may be configured to process,store, and communicate information and may include one or more computersystems, data storage systems, and networking systems.

IHSs sometimes include connectors that must be mated by generatingrelatively high connector forces. For example, some IHS's includemultiple boards with connectors that must be mated together bygenerating such high connector forces such that the boards are connectedtogether for operation. Typically, such relatively high connector forcesare generated using cam mechanisms. However, some IHSs may includeconfigurable systems such as, for example, a first board having aconnector that may either be mated with a connector on a second board inone system configuration or a connector on a third board in anothersystem configuration. In such situations, the configurations of thefirst board, second board, and third board may prevent a single cammechanism from being used across the different system configurations.Furthermore, other limitations may further restrict the use of a cammechanism such as, for example, the board connectors being locatedcentral to the boards and away from the sidewalls of the IHS chassissuch that the chassis structure is not available for supporting the cammechanism, thermal requirements that prevent the cam mechanism frombeing positioned adjacent components on the boards, cabling requirementsthat restrict the positioning of cam mechanism, and/or a variety ofother limitations known in the art.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved cam system.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, a cam system includes a beam including aplurality of coupling features, a first handle that is operable to becoupled to the beam using the coupling features, a plurality of camelements that are each operable to be coupled to the beam at differentlocations along the beam using the coupling features, and a plurality ofcam brackets that are each operable to be mounted to a first memberhaving a first connector, wherein the coupled-together beam, firsthandle, and cam elements are operable to be coupled a second memberhaving a second connector such that, with the cam brackets mounted tothe first member, the engagement of the cam elements with the cambrackets mate the first connector and the second connector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating an embodiment of an informationhandling system.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a handle.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a handle.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a beam.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a camelement.

FIG. 6a is a top perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a cambracket.

FIG. 6b is a bottom perspective view illustrating an embodiment of thecam bracket of FIG. 6 a.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a firstmember including a board with a connector.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a secondmember including a board with a connector.

FIG. 9a is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method formating connectors.

FIG. 9b is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the cambrackets of FIG. 6 coupled to the first member of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9c is a bottom perspective view illustrating an embodiment of thehandle of FIG. 2 and the cam elements of FIG. 5 coupled to the beam ofFIG. 4 to provide a cam system.

FIG. 9d is a top perspective view illustrating an embodiment of thehandle of FIG. 2 and the cam elements of FIG. 5 coupled to the beam ofFIG. 4 to provide a cam system.

FIG. 9e is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the camsystem of FIGS. 9c and 9d coupled to the second member of FIG. 8.

FIG. 9f is a side view illustrating an embodiment of one of the camelement of FIG. 5 coupling the cam system of FIGS. 9c and 9d to thesecond member of FIG. 8.

FIG. 9g is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the camsystem and second member of FIG. 9e being coupled to the first memberand cam brackets of FIG. 9 b.

FIG. 9h is a side view illustrating an embodiment of one of the camelements on the cam system and second member of FIG. 9e being coupled tothe cam brackets on the first member of FIG. 9 b.

FIG. 9i is a side view illustrating an embodiment of one of the camelements on the cam system and second member of FIG. 9e coupled to thecam brackets on the first member of FIG. 9 b.

FIG. 9j is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of theconnectors on the first member of FIG. 7 coupled to the connectors onthe second member of FIG. 8 using the cam system of FIGS. 9c and 9 d.

FIG. 9k is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the handleof the cam system of FIGS. 9c and 9d in a closed position on the secondmember of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a firstmember including a board with a connector.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a secondmember including a board with a connector.

FIG. 12a is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the cambrackets of FIG. 6 coupled to the first member of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12b is a top perspective view illustrating an embodiment of thehandle of FIG. 3 and the cam elements of FIG. 5 coupled to the beam ofFIG. 4 to provide a cam system.

FIG. 12c is a bottom perspective view illustrating an embodiment of thehandle of FIG. 3 and the cam elements of FIG. 5 coupled to the beam ofFIG. 4 to provide a cam system.

FIG. 12d is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the camsystem of FIGS. 12b and 12c coupled to the second member of FIG. 11 withthe handle in an open position.

FIG. 12e is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the camsystem of FIGS. 12b and 12c coupled to the second member of FIG. 11 withthe handle in a closed position.

FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating an embodiment of a cam element witha plurality of detents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of this disclosure, an IHS may include any instrumentalityor aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify,process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display,manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form ofinformation, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control,entertainment, or other purposes. For example, an IHS may be a personalcomputer, a PDA, a consumer electronic device, a display device ormonitor, a network server or storage device, a switch router or othernetwork communication device, or any other suitable device and may varyin size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. The IHS mayinclude memory, one or more processing resources such as a centralprocessing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic. Additionalcomponents of the IHS may include one or more storage devices, one ormore communications ports for communicating with external devices aswell as various input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, amouse, and a video display. The IHS may also include one or more busesoperable to transmit communications between the various hardwarecomponents.

In one embodiment, IHS 100, FIG. 1, includes a processor 102, which isconnected to a bus 104. Bus 104 serves as a connection between processor102 and other components of IHS 100. An input device 106 is coupled toprocessor 102 to provide input to processor 102. Examples of inputdevices may include keyboards, touchscreens, pointing devices such asmouses, trackballs, and trackpads, and/or a variety of other inputdevices known in the art. Programs and data are stored on a mass storagedevice 108, which is coupled to processor 102. Examples of mass storagedevices may include hard discs, optical disks, magneto-optical discs,solid-state storage devices, and/or a variety other mass storage devicesknown in the art. IHS 100 further includes a display 110, which iscoupled to processor 102 by a video controller 112. A system memory 114is coupled to processor 102 to provide the processor with fast storageto facilitate execution of computer programs by processor 102. Examplesof system memory may include random access memory (RAM) devices such asdynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), solid state memorydevices, and/or a variety of other memory devices known in the art. Inan embodiment, a chassis 116 houses some or all of the components of IHS100. It should be understood that other buses and intermediate circuitscan be deployed between the components described above and processor 102to facilitate interconnection between the components and the processor102.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a handle 200 is illustrated. In an embodiment,the handle 200 includes a plurality of legs 202 and 204 that are coupledtogether in a substantially parallel, spaced-apart orientation by a topportion 206. Each of the plurality of legs 202 and 204 includes a beamcoupling feature 202 a and 204 a, respectively, that is located on adistal end of a respective leg 202 and 204 on the handle 200 that isopposite that leg from the top portion 206. Referring now to FIG. 3, ahandle 300 is illustrated. In an embodiment, the handle 300 includes aplurality of legs 302 and 304 that are coupled together in asubstantially parallel, spaced-apart orientation by a top portion 306.Each of the plurality of legs 302 and 304 includes a beam couplingfeature 302 a and 304 a, respectively, that is located on a distal endof a respective leg 302 and 304 on the handle 300 that is opposite thatleg from the top portion 306. In one embodiment, the handles 200 and 300may be the same handle, and the top portion 206/306 may be an adjustableportion such that the distance between the leg 202/302 and the leg204/304 may be varied, for example, from the distance A illustrated inFIG. 2 to the distance B illustrated in FIG. 3. In another embodiment,the handles 200 and 300 may be separate handles that may be manufacturedand/or utilized to provide a cam system that is operable on twodifferent IHS configurations, discussed in further detail below.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a beam 400 is illustrated. The beam 400includes an elongated base 402 having a plurality of coupling features404 located along its length. In the illustrated embodiment, theplurality of coupling features 404 are defined by the beam 400 andextend through the beam 400. While a specific beam 400 is illustratedand described, one of skill in the art will recognize that a variety ofmodification such as, for example, different beam shapes, couplingfeatures, coupling feature locations, etc., will fall within the scopeof the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a cam element 500 is illustrated. The camelement 500 includes a base 502. A cam feature 504 extends from the base502 and, in the illustrated embodiment, includes an arcuate member thatdefines a cam channel 506 between the cam feature 504 and the base 502.The base 502 also includes a pivotable coupling 508 that, in theillustrated embodiment, includes an aperture defined by the base 502 andextending through the base 502. A beam coupling feature 510 extends fromthe base 502 opposite the base 502 from the cam feature 504. In anembodiment, a plurality of the cam elements 500 may be utilized toprovide a cam system, discussed in further detail below.

Referring now to FIGS. 6a and 6b , a cam bracket 600 is illustrated. Thecam bracket 600 includes a base 602. A plurality of walls 604 and 606extend from opposite sides of the base 602 in a substantially parallelorientation to each other. A cam engagement member 608 extends betweenthe walls 604 and 606 in a spaced apart orientation from the base 602.In an embodiment, the cam engagement member 608 includes roller bearingsthat couple the cam engagement member 608 to the walls 604 and 606 suchthat, for example, the cam engagement member 608 may rotate about itslongitudinal axis (which, in the illustrated embodiment, isperpendicular to the walls 604 and 606) relative to the cam bracket 600.The base 602 includes a plurality of board coupling features 610 a and610 b that, in the illustrated embodiment, include apertures that aredefined by the base 602 and that extend through the base 602. In anembodiment, a plurality of the cam brackets 600 may be utilized toprovide a cam system, discussed in further detail below.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a first member 700 is illustrated. In theillustrated embodiment, the first member 700 includes a circuit board702 having a plurality of connectors 704 a, 704 b, 706 a, and 706 b.However, one of skill in the art will recognize that that the firstmember 700 may be a variety of other IHS components that can benefitfrom the cam system described below without departing from the scope ofthe present disclosure. A plurality of cam bracket couplers 708 a, 708b, and 708 c are located on the board 702 and, in the illustratedembodiment, include apertures that are defined by and extend through theboard 702. In an embodiment, the cam bracket couplers 708 a, 708 b, and708 c may be positioned on the board 702 based on the requirements ofthe IHS and/or the cam system, as described in further detail below. Inthe illustrated embodiment, a plurality of processor couplings 710 (forcoupling a processor such as, for example, the processor 102 describedabove with reference to FIG. 1, to the board 702) and a plurality ofmemory modules 712 are mounted to and coupled together through the board702, positioned adjacent each other, and positioned adjacent and coupledto the connectors 704 a, 704 b, 706 a, and 706 b. One of skill in theart will recognize that any variety of IHS components may be coupled tothe board 702 while remaining within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a second member 800 is illustrated. In theillustrated embodiment, the second member 800 includes a circuit board802 having a plurality of connectors 804 a, 804 b, 806 a, and 806 b.However, one of skill in the art will recognize that that the secondmember may be a variety of other IHS components that can benefit fromthe cam system described below without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure. A plurality of pivotable couplers 808 a, 808 b(obscured), and 808 c are coupled to the board 702 and, in theillustrated embodiment, include apertures that are defined by structuralmembers that are located on the board 802. The board 802 defines aplurality of cam element slots 810 a, 810 b, and 810 c that are locatedadjacent respective pivotable couplers 808 a, 808 b (obscured), and 808c. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of components 812 (e.g., aplurality of memory modules, processors, etc) are mounted to and coupledtogether through the board 802 and coupled to the connectors 804 a, 804b, 806 a, and 806 b. One of skill in the art will recognize that anyvariety of IHS components may be coupled to the board 802 whileremaining within the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 9a , a method 900 for mating connectors isillustrated. The method 900 begins at block 902 where a first memberwith a first connector and a second member with a second connector areprovided. In an embodiment, the first member 700 including the board 702with the connectors 704 a, 704 b, 706 a, and 706 c, and the secondmember 800 including the board 802 with the connectors 804 a, 804 b, 806a, and 806 b, are provided. In an embodiment, the first member 700 maybe located in an IHS chassis such as, for example, the chassis 116discussed above with reference to FIG. 1, and the cam system of thepresent disclosure may be provided to couple the second connectors onthe second member 800 to the first connectors on the first member 700.In this embodiment, the IHS may include a number of limitations. Forexample, the first connectors on the first member 700 may be located onthe board 702 such that they are in a central location in the IHSchassis away from the sidewalls of the IHS chassis, which may prevent orcomplicate the use of the side walls as a structural member for a camsystem. In another example, the sidewalls of the IHS chassis may be usedfor cable routing, which may prevent or complicate the use of the sidewalls as a structural member for a cam system. In another example, thespacing of the plurality of connectors 704 a, 704 b, 706 a, and 706 b onthe board 702 prevents or complicates the use of a single cam structureto support the cam system (e.g., adjacent the connectors 704 a and 704b), as such as structure may provide proper cam forces to mate thesecond connectors on the second member 800 with the connectors 704 a and704 b, but an insufficient cam force to mate the second connectors onthe second member 800 with the connectors 706 a and 706 b. While theillustrated embodiment of the method 900 below involves matingconnectors on a plurality of board together, the method 900 should notbe limited to this embodiment, as a wide variety of members, components,and/or connectors may be mated and/or other wise coupled together usingthe cam system of the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 9a and 9b , the method 900 then proceeds to block904 where cam brackets are mounted to the first member. In anembodiment, a plurality of cam brackets 600 are mounted to the board 702of the first member 700 using the board coupling features 610 a and 610b on the cam brackets 600 and the bracket couplers 708 a, 708 b, and 708c on the board 702 (e.g., using screws, rivets, pins, nuts/bolts, and/orother coupling devices known in the art), as illustrated in FIG. 9b . Inthe illustrated embodiment, a pair of cam brackets 600 are mounted tothe board 702 on either side of the pair of connectors 704 a and 704 b,and a cam bracket 600 is mounted adjacent the connector 706 a. However,one of skill in the art will recognize that the positioning of the cambrackets 600 on the board 702 may be modified depending on theconfiguration of the board 702, the force requirements of the connectors704 a, 704 b, 706 a, and 706 b, etc. For example, depending on thepositioning of the connectors 704 a, 704 b, 706 a, and 706 b, theconfiguration of the first member 700 (e.g., the board 702, thecomponents 710 and 712 on the board 702, etc.), the configuration of thesecond member 800 (e.g., the board 802, the components 812 on the board802, etc.), the types of connectors 704 a, 704 b, 706 a, and 706 b,and/or a variety of other limitations known in the art, the number andlocation of the bracket couplers may be provided on the board 702 toallow the cam system to function as desired, as described in furtherdetail below.

Referring now to FIGS. 9a, 9c, and 9d , the method 900 then proceeds toblock 906 where a cam system is provided by coupling cam elements to thebeam. A plurality of the cam elements 500 may be coupled to the beam 400by positioning the beam coupling feature 510 on the cam element 500adjacent a respective coupling feature 404 on the beam 400 and usingcoupling members 906 a (e.g., screws, rivets, pins, nuts/bolts, and/orother coupling devices known in the art) to secure the cam element 500to the beam 400, as illustrated in FIGS. 9c and 9d . As can be seen, thecoupling features 404 on the beam 400 allow the cam elements 500 to bepositioned at multiple locations along the length of the beam 400, andthe positioning of the cam elements 500 on the beam 400 is selected tomatch the spacing of the cam brackets 600 on the board 702 of the firstmember 700 (illustrated in FIG. 9b ). At block 906, the handle 200 mayalso be coupled to the beam 400 by positioning the beam couplingfeatures 202 a and 204 a on the legs 202 and 204, respectively, of thehandle 200 adjacent respective coupling features 404 on the beam 400 andusing coupling members 906 b (e.g., screws, rivets, pins, nuts/bolts,and/or other coupling devices known in the art) to secure the handle 200to the beam 400, as illustrated in FIGS. 9c and 9d . As can be seen, thecoupling features 404 on the beam 400 allow the handle 200 to bepositioned at multiple locations along the length of the beam 400. In anembodiment, the positioning of the handle 200 on the beam 400 isselected based on the configuration of the second member 800 (e.g., theboard 802, the components 812 on the board 802, etc.), the configurationof the IHS chassis, and/or a variety of other limitations known in theart. In an embodiment, the handle 200 may be an integral portion of thebeam 400. In an embodiment, the coupled-together handle, beam, and camelements provide a cam system.

Referring now to FIGS. 9a, 9e, and 9f , the method 900 then proceeds toblock 908 where the cam system is coupled to the second member. The camsystem including the coupled-together handle 200, beam 400, and camelements 500 are positioned relative to the second member 800 such thatthe cam elements 500 extend through the cam element slots 810 a, 810 b,and 810 c defined by the board 802 and the pivotable coupling 508 oneach cam element 500 is located adjacent a respective pivotable coupler808 a, 808 b, and 808 c on the board 802. The cam elements 500 may thenbe pivotally coupled to the board 802 using, for example, a pivotalcoupling member 908 a that may be inserted through the pivotablecoupling 508 on the cam member 500 and the pivotable coupler on theboard 802, as illustrated in FIG. 9 f.

Referring now to FIGS. 9a, 9g, 9h, 9i, 9j, and 9k , the method 900 thenproceeds to block 910 where the cam elements are engaged with the cambrackets to mate the first and second connectors. With the cam systemcoupled to the second member 800, the second member 800 is positionedadjacent the first member 700 such that the connectors 804 a, 804 b, 806a and 806 b on the board 802 are aligned with the connectors 704 a, 704b, 706 a, and 706 b, respectively, on the board 702, as illustrated inFIG. 9g . Due to the positioning of the cam brackets 600 on the board702 in block 904 of the method 900 and the positioning of the camelements 500 on the beam 400 in block 906 of the method 900, alignmentof the connectors on the boards 702 and 802 results in the cam elements500 on the cam system coupled to the board 802 being aligned with thecam brackets 600 on the board 702. The handle 200 may then be engaged torotate the cam system about the pivotal coupling of the cam elements 500to the board 802 in a direction A. Movement of the handle 200 in thedirection A moves each of the cam elements 500 from a position B, withthe cam channel 506 and the cam feature 504 spaced apart from the camengagement member 608 on the cam bracket 600, illustrated in FIG. 9h ,to a position C where the cam engagement member 608 on the cam bracket600 has entered the cam channel 506 and engaged the cam feature 504,illustrated in FIG. 9i . One of skill in the art will recognize that themovement of the cam elements 500 from the position B to the position C,along with the coupling of the cam elements 500 to the board 802, willprovide a cam force D that directs the board 802 towards the board 702.In an embodiment, the cam system is configured to provide the cam forceD that is sufficient to mate the connectors 804 a, 804 b, 806 a and 806b on the board 802 with the connectors 704 a, 704 b, 706 a, and 706 b,respectively, on the board 702. With the connectors 704 a, 704 b, 706 a,and 706 b mated with the connectors 804 a, 804 b, 806 a, and 806 b,respectively, the components 812 on the board 802 are coupled to thecomponents 710 and 712 (and, in some embodiments, other components) onthe board 702. Furthermore, as can be seen in FIG. 9k , rotation of thehandle 200 in the direction A such that the cam elements move to theposition C causes the handle 200 to move from an open position to aclosed position that is substantially parallel to the board 802. Asdiscussed above, the handle 200 may be positioned on the beam 400 in thecam system based on the configuration of the second member 800, and FIG.9k illustrates a positioning of the handle 200 on the beam 400 thatallows the handle 200 to move the cam elements 500 to the position Bwhile ensuring that the handle 200 does not interfere with thecomponents 812 on the board 802.

Thus, a cam system is provided that includes modular elements that allowthe cam system to be modified to fit limitations of different IHSs. Cambrackets may be positioned on a board, cam elements may be positioned ona beam, and a handle may be configured and/or positioned on the beam inorder to provide a cam system that provides a sufficient cam force tomate connectors while also conforming the cam system to the limitationsof the IHS. The modular elements and configurability of the cam systemallow an IHS manufacturer to use the same modular elements to providethe cam system on a variety of different IHSs, an example of which isdescribed below.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a first member 1000 is illustrated. In theillustrated embodiment, the first member 1000 includes a circuit board1002 having a plurality of connectors 1004 a, 1004 b, 1006 a, and 1006b. However, one of skill in the art will recognize that that the firstmember may be a variety of other IHS components that can benefit fromthe cam system described above without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure. A plurality of cam bracket couplers 1008 a, 1008 b,and 1008 c are located on the board 1002 and, in the illustratedembodiment, include apertures that are defined by and extend through theboard 1002. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of components1010 are mounted to the board 1002, positioned adjacent and coupled toeach other through the board 1002, and positioned adjacent and coupledto the connectors 1004 a, 1004 b, 1006 a, and 1006 b. One of skill inthe art will recognize that any variety of IHS components may be coupledto the board 1002 while remaining within the scope of the presentdisclosure. One of skill in the art will recognize that the first member1000 is substantially similar to the first member 700, described abovewith reference to FIG. 7, but with the connectors 1004 a, 1004 b, 1006a, and 1006 b and the cam bracket couplers 1008 a, 1008 b, and 1008 cconfigured and/or positioned differently.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a second member 1100 is illustrated. In theillustrated embodiment, the second member 1100 includes a circuit board1102 having a plurality of connectors 1104 a, 1104 b, 1106 a, and 1106b. However, one of skill in the art will recognize that that the secondmember may be a variety of other IHS components that can benefit fromthe cam system described above without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure. Similar to the second member 800, the second member1100 includes plurality of pivotable couplers (not illustrated) coupledto the board 1102 adjacent the connectors 1104 a, 1104 b, and 1106 a,and the board 1102 defines a plurality of cam element slots 1108 a, 1108b, and 1108 c that are located adjacent respective pivotable couplers.In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of components 1110 (e.g., aplurality of memory modules, processors, etc) are located on the board1102 and coupled to each other and the connectors 1104 a, 1104 b, 1106a, and 1106 b through the board 1102. One of skill in the art willrecognize that the second member 1100 is substantially similar to thesecond member 800, described above with reference to FIG. 8, but withthe connectors 1104 a, 1104 b, 1106 a, and 1106 b, the pivotablecouplers, and the cam element slots 1108 a, 1108 b, and 1108 c indifferent positions. Furthermore, the components 1110 may differ fromand are positioned differently than the components 812 on the board 802.

While the first member 1000 and the second member 1100 differ from thefirst member 700 and the second member 800, the cam system discussedabove may still be used to couple the connectors 1004 a, 1004 b, 1006 a,and 1006 b on the board 1002 to the connectors 1104 a, 1104 b, 1106 a,and 1106 b, respectively, on the board 1102. The method 900 may operatesubstantially as described above, but with the first member 1000 and thesecond member 1100 provided at block 902 and the cam brackets 600coupled to the first member 1000 using the board coupling features 610 aand 610 b on the cam brackets 600 and the cam bracket couplers 1008 a,1008 b, and 1008 c on the board 1002, as illustrated in FIG. 12 a.

At block 906 of the method 900, the cam elements 500 may be coupled tothe beam 400 substantially as described above. Furthermore, the handle300 may be coupled to the beam 400 in substantially the same manner asdescribed above for the handle 200. In one embodiment, the handle 200and the handle 300 are the same handle, and the top portion 206/306 maybe adjusted to vary the distance between the legs 202/302 and 304/304,as discussed above, in order to configure the handle 200/300 such thatit may be used with whatever limitations exists on the IHS, the boards1002 and 1102, etc. In another embodiment, the handle 300 is differentfrom the handle 200 and manufactured for use with systems that have theconfiguration provided by the first member 1000 and the second member1100. At can be seen in FIGS. 12d and 12e , with the cam system thatincludes the handle 300, the beam 400, and the cam elements 500,pivotally coupled to the second member 1100 in a similar manner asdescribed above for block 908 in the method 900. The handle 300 may thenbe pivoted to engage the cam elements 500 with cam brackets 600 on thefirst member 1000 in order to provide the cam force necessary to matethe connectors 1004 a, 1004 b, 1006 a, and 1006 b on the board 1002 tothe connectors 1104 a, 1104 b, 1106 a, and 1106 b, respectively, on theboard 1102, as described above for block 910 in the method 900.Furthermore, as can be seen in FIG. 12e , with the connectors on theboards mated, the configuration of the handle 300 and cam system ensuresthat the handle 300 does not interfere with the components 1110 on theboard 1102.

Referring now to FIG. 13, an embodiment of a cam element 1300 isillustrated. The cam element 1300 is substantially similar to the camelement 500 discussed above with reference to FIG. 5, with the provisionof a plurality of detents 1302 and 1304 that are located on the camfeature 504 and extend into the cam channel 506. One of skill in the artwill recognize that the detent 1302 operates as a latch to keep the camelement 1300 in the position C unless a sufficient force is provided onthe handle 200 to overcome the force provided by the engagement of thecam engagement member 608 and the detent 1302. Similarly, the detent1304 operates with the cam element 1300 in the position B and engagesthe cam engagement member 608 to prevent the handle 200 from rotating inthe direction A unless a sufficient force is provided on the handle 200to overcome the force provided by the engagement of the cam engagementmember 608 and the detent 1304.

Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, a widerange of modification, change and substitution is contemplated in theforegoing disclosure and in some instances, some features of theembodiments may be employed without a corresponding use of otherfeatures. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims beconstrued broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of theembodiments disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cam system, comprising: a beam including aplurality of coupling features; a handle extending from the beam; aplurality of cam elements that are each positionable and securable tothe beam at different locations along the beam using a coupling memberthat engages a cam element of the plurality of cam elements and any ofthe plurality of coupling features; and a plurality of cam brackets thatare each configured to be mounted to a first member having a firstconnector, wherein each of the plurality of cam elements is coupled tothe beam using the coupling member that engages that cam element and arespective one of the plurality of coupling features such that theplurality of cam elements are positioned at different relative locationson the beam based on relative positions of the plurality of cam bracketsmounted to the first member; wherein the coupled-together beam and theplurality of cam elements are configured to be coupled to a secondmember having a second connector such that, with the plurality of cambrackets mounted to the first member, engagement of the plurality of camelements with the plurality of cam brackets mates the first connectorand the second connector.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the handleis a first handle that is configured to be coupled to the beam using acoupling member that engages the handle and any of the plurality ofcoupling features such that the first handle extends from the beam. 3.The system of claim 2, wherein the first handle includes a plurality oflegs coupled together by an adjustable portion that is configured tovary the distance between the plurality of legs.
 4. The system of claim2, further comprising: a second handle that is configured to be coupledto the beam using a coupling member that engages the handle and any ofthe plurality of coupling features such that the second handle extendsfrom the beam, wherein the coupled-together beam and plurality of camelements are configured to be coupled a third member having a thirdconnector such that, with the plurality of cam brackets mounted to thefirst member, the engagement of the plurality of cam elements with theplurality of cam brackets mates the first connector and the thirdconnector.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality ofcam elements includes a pivotable coupling that is configured topivotably couple that cam element to the second member.
 6. The system ofclaim 5, wherein the second member includes a plurality of pivotablecouplers that are each configured to pivotally couple the pivotablecoupling on a respective one of the plurality of cam elements to thesecond member.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of theplurality of cam elements includes a detent feature.
 8. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the first member and the second member are circuitboards.
 9. An information handling system (IHS), comprising: a chassis;a board located in the chassis and including a processor and a firstconnector coupled to the processor; a plurality of cam brackets mountedto the board; a first component including a second connector; and a camsystem coupled to the first component and mating the first connector andthe second connector, wherein the cam system includes: a beam includinga plurality of coupling features; a handle that extends from the beam;and a plurality of cam elements that are each positionable and securableto the beam at different locations along the beam using a couplingmember that engages a cam element of the plurality of cam elements andany of the plurality of coupling features, wherein each of the pluralityof cam elements have been coupled to the beam using the coupling memberthat engages that cam element and a respective one of the plurality ofcoupling features such that the plurality of cam elements are positionedat different relative locations on the beam based on relative positionsof the plurality of cam brackets mounted to the board, and wherein eachof the plurality of cam elements engage a respective one of theplurality of cam brackets to mate the first connector and the secondconnector.
 10. The IHS of claim 9, wherein the handle is a first handlethat is configured to be coupled to the beam using a coupling memberthat engages the handle and any of the plurality of coupling featuressuch that the first handle extends from the beam.
 11. The IHS of claim10, wherein the first handle includes a plurality of legs coupledtogether by an adjustable portion that is configured to vary thedistance between the plurality of legs.
 12. The IHS of claim 10, furthercomprising: a second handle that is configured to be coupled to the beamusing a coupling member that engages the handle and any of the pluralityof coupling features such that the second handle extends from the beam,wherein the coupled-together beam and plurality of cam elements areconfigured to be coupled a second component having a third connectorsuch that, with the plurality of cam brackets mounted to the board, theengagement of the plurality of cam elements with the plurality of cambrackets mates the first connector and the third connector.
 13. The IHSof claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of cam elements includes apivotable coupling that pivotably couples that cam element to the firstcomponent.
 14. The IHS of claim 13, wherein the first component includesa plurality of pivotable couplers that each pivotally couple thepivotable coupling on a respective one of the plurality of cam elementsto the first component.
 15. The IHS of claim 9, wherein at least one ofthe plurality of cam elements includes a detent feature.
 16. The IHS ofclaim 9, wherein the first component is a board.
 17. A method for matingconnectors, comprising: mounting a plurality of cam brackets on a firstmember having a first connector; providing a cam system by coupling aplurality of cam elements that are each positionable and securable toany of a plurality of coupling features included on a beam using acoupling member that engages a cam element of the plurality of camelements and a respective one of the plurality of coupling features suchthat the plurality of cam elements are positioned at different relativelocations on the beam based on the relative positions of the pluralityof cam brackets mounted to the first member; coupling the cam system toa second member having a second connector; and engaging the plurality ofcam elements with the plurality of cam brackets to mate the firstconnector and the second connector.
 18. The method of claim 17, furthercomprising: coupling a handle to the beam using a coupling member thatengages the handle and a respective one of the plurality of couplingfeatures.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the handle includes aplurality of legs coupled together by an adjustable portion, the methodfurther comprising: adjusting the adjustable portion to vary thedistance between the plurality of legs.
 20. The method of claim 18,wherein the handle is selected from a first handle and a second handlethat has different dimensions that the first handle.